Application Deadline:
21 October 2025
About Organisation
The City of Toronto is committed to advancing urban biodiversity, sustainability, and community well-being through innovative environmental programmes. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto recognises the urgent need to address challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and declining pollinator populations. Pollinators—such as bees, butterflies, and other insects—are essential for maintaining ecosystems, supporting food security, and ensuring urban resilience. Through its PollinateTO programme, the city empowers residents, community groups, schools, and nonprofits to actively participate in habitat creation and conservation efforts. By supporting grassroots initiatives, the City of Toronto not only fosters ecological stewardship but also strengthens community ties and civic engagement. These grants represent a crucial step in enhancing green spaces, promoting sustainable practices, and protecting biodiversity across Toronto’s neighbourhoods, particularly in underserved communities and Neighbourhood Improvement Areas where environmental justice is a priority.
About the Grant
The PollinateTO Grants 2025–26 offer funding of up to $5,000 per project to support the creation or expansion of pollinator habitats throughout Toronto. Projects may include developing new gardens, rain gardens, converting lawns and boulevards into pollinator-friendly areas, or enhancing existing gardens with native perennial species. To qualify, gardens must feature mostly native plants, provide habitat features such as nesting and overwintering spaces, and ensure seasonal blooms for continuous pollinator support. Projects must also be publicly visible, accessible, and supported by a long-term care plan. Eligible expenses include native plants, soil, mulch, gardening tools, signage, workshops, and community engagement materials. Applications open September 9, 2025, and close October 21, 2025, with approved projects implemented from spring through fall 2026. This initiative enables residents to actively contribute to biodiversity, urban greening, and pollinator conservation, while strengthening community engagement in environmental stewardship.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include resident-led groups, school groups and parent councils, Indigenous groups, faith groups, business improvement associations, registered charities, and not-for-profit organisations. Applicants must represent a community group of at least three Toronto residents from separate households. A suitable site must be selected with access to water, high public visibility, and a sustainable maintenance plan for long-term care. Gardens should prioritise native perennial species that bloom across multiple seasons and incorporate habitat features for pollinators. Priority consideration is given to projects located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, reflecting Toronto’s commitment to equitable access to green spaces and biodiversity benefits. Applicants must demonstrate capacity for project planning, community engagement, and ongoing garden maintenance to ensure sustainability. All projects are expected to actively involve and engage local communities in habitat creation while contributing to the city’s broader environmental and ecological goals.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted online during the open window (September 9–October 21, 2025). Applicants should provide details on the garden site, design, plant selection, community engagement, and long-term care plan.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted no later than 21 October 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
